How can college students find scholarships?

I'm a high school junior getting ready to apply for college. I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities available to support my education. How should I go about finding and applying for scholarships as a college student?

Finding scholarships can be an exciting journey because this process uncovers resources that can minimize your educational expenses.

Firstly, you should investigate institutional scholarships provided by the universities you are applying to. Many colleges have scholarships solely accessible to their students, and these are typically merit-based or need-based. Visit the school’s financial aid page or contact the financial aid office directly to find out more about the scholarships that they offer.

Secondly, you should utilize the resources available on the internet. Scholarship search engines such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board's Big Future offer databases of scholarships from diverse sources. These platforms match you with available scholarships based on the personal information you input. Remember to update your profile regularly on these websites as your circumstances and interests may change.

Another source is Appily, formerly known as Cappex. It aggregates scholarship information from numerous resources and is an excellent place to start your scholarship search.

Thirdly, look at local scholarships in your community. You may find these opportunities at your high school’s counseling office, local businesses, community centers, and civic groups like Rotary Clubs. The competition for local scholarships tends to be smaller compared to national ones, which could increase your chances of winning.

Lastly, consider scholarships related to your intended field of study. If you already know what you plan to major in, you may be able to find scholarships that are awarded to students pursuing that academic discipline.

A few tips to keep in mind during your scholarship hunt: Always verify the legitimacy of a scholarship. Be wary of scams that require a fee. Never forget to examine the eligibility criteria before applying. Understand the conditions of your scholarships - some have performance standards or service requirements to maintain eligibility. Remember to keep a calendar with application deadlines and begin your search early as scholarships are highly competitive. Good luck with your applications!